A Better Country: Embracing the Refugees in Our Midst (William Carey Publishing, 2022)

A Better Country is a workbook encouraging Christians in America to think theologically and respond practically to the global refugee crisis. This 6-week study can be done individually or in groups.

I’m especially pleased that my son, Josiah, created the cover art! If you’d like to order bulk quantities for ministry purposes, please contact me directly.

Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you invited me in.” (Matthew 25:35)

More than two thousand years ago, Jesus challenged us to welcome and care for the strangers among us.  How do we fulfill this challenge? What does compassion look like today?

A Better Country aims to help Christians—specifically Christians in the United States—think theologically and practically about the ongoing and changing refugee needs. This workbook is divided into six lessons followed by a personal action plan as your application. The second edition includes additional questions for discussion, along with spiritual practices at the end of each chapter for transformation of mind, heart, and soul in our posture toward refugee welcome.

This resource balances information and reflection that will stimulate excellent group discussions and individual study. May you be inspired to action, and may you develop a heart to welcome refugees with compassion and dignity in Jesus’ name.

INTRODUCTION TO SPIRITUAL PRACTICES INCLUDED IN A BETTER COUNTRY
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ENDORSEMENTS

At a time when the arrival of refugees is mired in misinformation and fear, Cindy Wu has created a fantastic, timely resource in "A Better Country." With insightful analysis, biblical wisdom, and clear applications, this is a superb resource for Christians searching for a deeper understanding of refugees.
Matthew SoerensU.S. Director of Church Mobilization, World Relief
Over several years I have watched Cindy Wu read, study, listen to, feel personally, and write about refugees and their situations in the United States. She has done so with deep compassion joined together with objective realism. This most timely workbook should be widely read and used in churches across our land.
Dean BorgmanSenior Professor of Youth Ministries and Social Ethics, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Cindy Wu’s new book is a remarkable fusion of facts, personal experience and biblical reflection on how Christians should treat migrants and strangers. As the West increasingly closes its heart, mind, and homelands to the rest of the world, this is a timely prophetic call to the church to follow Jesus’ example and welcome the stranger. As a bonus, Wu’s approach is highly practical, providing a much-needed tool for churches and small groups to study and to act.
Dr. Todd M. JohnsonCenter for the Study of Global Christianity, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Every Christian, wishing to find the balance between security and compassion should work through A Better Country. Wu serves the church by presenting an excellent foundation for understanding refugee history, journey and advocacy. This timely workbook presents facts to alleviate unnecessary fears in these important days.
Dr. David DanielsLead Pastor, Central Bible Church
A Better Country is a book for such a time as this. More than 65 million people in the world have been forced to flee their homes and are seeking a better life. Cindy Wu provides a solid biblical, moral, and historical basis for welcoming refugees into our country and into our communities. A Better Country is a very practical guide for both churches and individuals, filled with resources and suggestions for how Christians can live out the biblical call to welcome the stranger.
David HusbyCovenant World Relief Director
At a time when over 100 million people in the world—each of them created in the image of God—have been forcibly displaced from their homes by violence, persecution, wars, and turmoil, the church dares not turn a blind eye. Christ made it abundantly clear that our God cares deeply about the most vulnerable, and if we claim to be His followers, we must also. Individual believers, small groups, and local churches will be grateful that Cindy Wu’s A Better Country provides biblical clarity and unique insights into the refugee experience and the US refugee resettlement infrastructure, and shows how God can use us to welcome, engage, serve, and partner with those He brings near. The spiritual practice sections of each chapter make us aware of how God can use our experiences with those who have lost everything to increase our dependence on Him, mature us spiritually, and grow our capacity to enjoy Him now and for eternity.
Pat HatchRefugee and Immigrant Ministry Director, PCA Mission to North America
More than a mere academic exercise, Cindy's passionate advocacy on behalf of refugees is an expression of her faith in Christ. Through her writing, teaching, training, advocacy, and personal involvement, Cindy embodies the spiritual practice of hospitality to the stranger rooted throughout Scripture, and she longs to see the body of Christ do the same. To that end, Cindy has written an exceptional tool for ministry leaders, small groups, non-profits, individuals, families, and communities to prepare them to come alongside refugees and other forcibly displaced persons with the love of God. We have had the privilege of working side-by-side with Cindy for years and have witnessed her living out these biblical truths. The principles in this book serve as a powerful and practical framework for those seeking to live out God's invitation to welcome the foreigner in our midst.
Michael and Julie MeissnerCo-founders, Abba's House of Texas
A Better Country is a thoughtful and clear introduction to the refugee crisis and the church’s response. Cindy Wu untangles the complexity of refugee resettlement in the U.S. and demystifies the first steps of building relationships with our neighbors who have experienced forced displacement. Set within a historical and biblical context that maintains honesty about the challenges, readers are left with a practical and hopeful path to live out the call to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Shanna DoughtyCo-facilitator, Refugee Highway Partnership North America (RHPNA)
Out of her own experience and interest, Cindy Wu offers a workbook to help the reader learn about refugees and to embrace the challenge of offering them hospitality. I envision a Sunday School class or home group using this valuable resource in a group study. Ms. Wu artfully combines up-to-date statistics on displaced persons, refugee stories, and words of challenge for those who wish to serve others: Be a door-opener for the world’s refugee peoples wherever you find them.
Dr. Richard L. HaneyExecutive Director, Frontier Fellowship